The Cheltenham Festival is the pinnacle of horse racing in the UK and Ireland. It is widely regarded as the most prestigious meeting in the National Hunt calendar, with world‑class horses, jockeys and trainers competing over four days in March.
The event features 28 races and includes championship contests such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle, which are among the most coveted prizes in jump racing. Thousands of spectators attend in person each year, while millions more engage online and via broadcasts, making it one of the most talked‑about racing competitions globally.
For punters, the Cheltenham Festival represents the biggest opportunity of the year to capitalise on free bets, generous offers and rewards from UK bookmakers.
Across the four days, many operators launch their best Cheltenham free bet offers and racing promotions to attract new and even existing customers who might not have tried their hand at betting on the horses yet.
These promotions often combine enhanced odds, bonus credits and special rewards that add real value to a betting account when wagering on key races throughout the festival. If you enjoy horse racing, this festival period is a must‑claim window to secure added betting value and boost your potential returns.
Top Friday Free bets for Cheltenham
- SBK – Bet £10 Get £40
- sport BET – Get £30 when you bet £10
- BetVictor – GET £30 IN FREE BETS when you bet £10 on Horse Racing
- 247Bet – 100% Match Bonus up to £50
- Betfred – Bet £10 on Cheltenham and Get £50 In Free Bets
- bet365 – Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets For Cheltenham
- Sky Bet – Place any bet and get £30 in free bets
- Tote – Bet £10 get £30 in Free Bets
- BetMGM – Get £40 In Free Bets When you Bet £10
- Paddy Power – Bet £5 Get £30 In Free Bets
I will run through some of the best of them below so you can make sure you’re getting the best value for Cheltenham 2026.
Cheltenham 2026 Schedule
Champion Day kicks the Festival off with a mix of top Grade 1 races and key handicaps. Punters often target the Champion Hurdle and Arkle for early betting value.
| TIME | RACE | DISTANCE | TYPE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13:20 | Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) | 2m | Hurdle |
| 14:00 | Arkle Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) | 2m | Hurdle |
| 14:40 | Juvenile Handicap Hurdle | 2m 4f | Chase |
| 15:20 | Ultima Handicap Chase | 3m | Hurdle |
| 16:00 | Champion Hurdle | 3m 2f | Chase |
| 16:40 | The TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase | 3m 2f | Chase |
| 17:20 | National Hunt Novices Chase | 2m 4f | Hurdle |
Wednesday, March 11 – Ladies day Wednesday
| TIME | RACE | DISTANCE | TYPE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13:20 | Turners Novices’ Hurdle | 2m 5f | Hurdle |
| 14:00 | Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase | 3m 110y | Chase |
| 14:40 | Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle | 2m 5f | Hurdle |
| 15:20 | Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase | 2m 6f | Chase |
| 16:00 | Queen Mother Champion Chase | 1m 7f | Chase |
| 16:40 | Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase | 2m 110y | Chase |
| 17:20 | Champion Bumper (Weatherbys) | 2m 87y | Bumper |
Thursday, March 12 – St Patrick’s Thursday
| TIME | RACE | DISTANCE | TYPE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13:20 | Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle | 2m 1f | Hurdle |
| 14:00 | Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase | 2m 4f 127y | Chase |
| 14:40 | The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle | 2m 4f | Hurdle |
| 15:20 | Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle | 3m | Hurdle |
| 16:00 | Ryanair Chase | 2m 4.5f | Chase |
| 16:40 | Pertemps Network Final | 3m | Hurdle |
| 17:20 | Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase | 3m 2f | Chase |
Friday, March 13 – Gold Cup Day
| TIME | RACE | DISTANCE | TYPE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13:20 | Triumph Hurdle | 2m 1f | Hurdle |
| 14:00 | County Handicap Hurdle | 2m 1f | Hurdle |
| 14:40 | Mares’ Steeple Chase (Mrs Paddy Power) | 2m 4f 127y | Chase |
| 15:20 | Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle | 3m | Hurdle |
| 16:00 | Cheltenham Gold Cup (Boodles) | 3m 2.5f | Chase |
| 16:40 | Festival Hunter Chase | 3m 2f 70y | Chase |
| 17:20 | Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Hurdle | 2m 4f 56yds | Hurdle |
Best Cheltenham Festival free bets in 2026
Almost all of the Cheltenham betting sites offer free bets, and they are quite similar, but here I will point out the sites that offer the biggest amount and the best free bet offers. The only criterion is the biggest and best free bet you can claim.
3
Best Free Bets for Cheltenham 2026
1. SBK Cheltenham offer
- Offer type: New customer free bet welcome bonus
- Offer value: Bet £10, get £40 in free bets
- Min odds: Evens (2.0) min odds required on qualifying bet
- Maximum payout: £40 in free bet tokens
- Expiration date/offer length: Free bets must be used within ~7 days of credit
- Min deposit: £10
- Min stake to claim the bonus: £10
This SBK promotion gives new UK customers a welcome bonus value that can be deployed across key Cheltenham races, including handicaps and feature contests such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle.
The offer enhances a new account balance with free bets worth £40 once a £10 qualifying wager settles at min odds of Evens or greater, which in turn protects your initial stake while you explore racing markets. SBK’s strength lies in competitive odds and a simple structure that fits horse racing selections across the entire Festival.
To claim the offer, customers should register a new SBK account and make a qualifying first deposit of at least £10 using accepted payment methods such as debit card or bank transfer.
You need to avoid excluded methods like Skrill or Neteller to ensure eligibility and that you don’t accidentally miss out on the offer. Next, place a £10 wager at odds of 2.0 (Evens) or above, and once that bet reaches settlement, the £40 free bets will be credited to your account within 48 hours.
Typically, free bet stakes are separate from winnings, and they must be used before expiry.
2. sport BET Cheltenham offer
- Offer type: Money‑back safety net (real cash refund)
- Offer value: Cash refund up to £100 if your horse loses all chance at the start of a race
- Min odds: Applies to UK & Irish racing only (no minimum odds specified)
- Maximum payout: £100 per single bet (multiples max £1,000)
- Expiration date/offer length: Ongoing during offer period; check current T&Cs
- Min deposit: N/A (offer for funded bets)
- Min stake to claim the bonus: N/A (refund applies to any losing bet that meets criteria)
sport BET’s Cheltenham promotion stands out because it offers real cash refunds rather than free bet tokens. If your horse “loses all chance” at the start of a race, for example, failing to leave the stalls or taking no competitive part, your losing stake is refunded up to £100 in real money.
This strategic feature is valuable for Festival punters who are backing favourites or big‑priced selections, especially in events like the Champion Hurdle or Gold Cup where unpredictable starts can affect outcomes. Refunds in cash mean the money can be withdrawn or used on your next selection, giving you a lot of flexibility and a massively reduced downside risk.
To benefit from this offer, register a sport BET account and fund it with an eligible payment method such as debit card or Apple Pay (credit cards are not accepted), but check the bookmaker’s site for any exclusions like Neteller/Skrill etc. If your qualifying bet loses under the “No Horsing Around” criteria, sport BET will issue a cash refund up to the capped amount.
Unlike free bets, these refunds are credited as real cash upon settlement and are not tied up in bonus wagering requirements, making this an appealing choice for punters who are seeking additional protection on key Cheltenham races.
3. BetVictor Cheltenham offer
- Offer type: New customer free bet welcome bonus
- Offer value: Bet £10, get £30 in free bets
- Min odds: Evens (2.0) or greater on qualifying bet
- Maximum payout: £30 in free bet tokens
- Expiration date/offer length: Free bets expire 7 days after being awarded
- Min deposit: £10
- Min stake to claim the bonus: £10
This BetVictor offer delivers solid value for Cheltenham punters looking to stretch their initial stake across big races such as the Unibet Champion Hurdle or the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
By placing a qualifying bet of £10 at Evens (2.0) or greater, new customers will earn £30 in free bets, which can be used strategically on singles, doubles or other horse racing markets. The ability to split the free bets across several selections adds genuine flexibility to your Festival betting strategy and can improve your chance of locking in decent value across multiple races.
To claim this welcome bonus, start by registering a new BetVictor account and opting into the promotion before placing your first qualifying wager. Make sure your minimum £10 deposit is made with an accepted payment method, debit cards are typically safest as some e‑wallets or prepaid methods may be excluded.
Then place your first bet at min odds of 2.00 within 7 days of registration.
Once that bet has reached settlement, the free bet credits will be added to your account. The free bets must be used within 7 days and are separate from your real cash balance; importantly, the stake on free bets is usually not returned in winnings. Always check the full betting terms and conditions on BetVictor’s site for the most accurate eligibility and usage information.
Several bettors prefer BetVictor around Cheltenham Festival because its free bets can be applied to a range of racing selections and handicap markets, making it a calculated choice for maximising potential returns without overexposing your initial stake.
4. 247Bet Cheltenham offer
- Offer type: 100% matched deposit bonus
- Offer value: 100% up to £50 in bonus funds
- Min odds: Min odds of 3/4 (1.75) required for using bonus funds on sports bets
- Maximum payout: £50 in bonus funds
- Expiration date/offer length: Bonus funds must be used within 30 days of credit
- Min deposit: £20
- Min stake to claim the bonus: £20 deposit and an opt‑in to the offer
247Bet’s welcome bonus gives new UK customers a matched deposit boost of up to £50 on their first deposit. This can be a strategic choice for Cheltenham punters who want extra bankroll to explore multiple races and markets, including outrights and each‑way bets. With the matched funds, you can place real money sports bets on races where odds are at least 1.75 (3/4).
Because the bonus is separate to your cash funds, it increases your available wagering power without immediately stretching your personal stake, helping you to manage the risk across your selections.
To claim the offer, register a new account at 247Bet and opt in to the promotion before you make your first deposit.
Deposit at least £20 using accepted payment methods, again debit cards or bank transfer are usually safest, as some e‑wallets (again like Neteller/Skrill) may be excluded. Once your deposit is matched with bonus funds, these can be used on eligible markets at the required odds.
The bonus carries a 5× wagering requirement on the bonus amount before any winnings can be withdrawn, and only bonus funds count toward this rollover. You also need to make sure that free bets or bonus funds are used within the 30‑day window to avoid forfeiture.
This matched deposit bonus suits punters who favour spreading wagers across several Cheltenham races, because the extra funds help extend your betting strategy with minimal initial risk.
Always check the full terms on 247Bet’s promotions page to understand eligibility restrictions and wagering contributions before placing bets on the festival!
5. Betfred Cheltenham offer
- Offer type: New customer free bets welcome bonus
- Offer value: Bet £10, get £50 in free bets (3 × £10 sports free bets + 2 × £10 acca free bets)
- Min odds: Evens (2.0) or greater on qualifying bet
- Maximum payout: £50 in free bet tokens
- Expiration date/offer length: Free bets must be used within 7 days of credit
- Min deposit: £10 via Debit Card
- Min stake to claim the bonus: £10
Betfred’s welcome offer provides excellent value for Cheltenham punters looking to expand their wagering potential with minimal initial risk. By placing a £10 qualifying bet at minimum odds of Evens (2.0) within 7 days of opening an account, new customers earn £50 in free bets credited within 10 hours of settlement.
The mix of sports free bets and acca free bets can be used strategically across big races like the Cheltenham Gold Cup or Stayers’ Hurdle, giving you flexibility in how you deploy your bonus funds and overall enhancing your return potential.
To claim the offer, you must register a new Betfred account, deposit at least £10 with a debit card, and place your first £10 wager at the required odds. Be sure to opt in if prompted, as this ensures eligibility. Avoid using payment methods that are excluded from the promotion (such as e‑wallets) to make sure your qualifying bet counts.
After your qualifying wager has settled, the free bets will be credited to your account, which you can then use on various horse racing and sports markets during the Cheltenham Festival.
Note that free bet stakes are separate from winnings (they are not returned with your profit) and must be used before they expire after 7 days. Always check the full terms and conditions on Betfred’s site before wagering to confirm precise eligibility requirements and restrictions, because you don’t want to get caught out.
This offer is a calculated choice for punters who are seeking to protect their initial stake while spreading risk across different Cheltenham races. This is particularly useful when combining outright selections and accumulator bets across some of the Festival’s marquee events.
6. bet365 Cheltenham offer
- Offer type: New customer free bet welcome bonus
- Offer value: Bet £10, get £30 in free bets (Bet Credits)
- Min odds: Qualifying bets must include at least one selection at odds of 1.20 (1/5) or greater for settlement purposes
- Maximum payout: £30 in Bet Credits
- Expiration date/offer length: Bet Credits typically expire 7 days after being added to your account
- Min deposit: £5-£10 (a qualifying deposit of £10 is standard to unlock the full £30)
- Min stake to claim the bonus: £10 qualifying bet required to release full Bet Credits
bet365’s Bet £10 Get £30 welcome bonus provides some strong value for Cheltenham punters who are eyeing major races such as the Gold Cup or Queen Mother Champion Chase. Once you have registered and made your first deposit of at least £5 or £10 on an eligible payment method, your qualifying £10 sports bet will trigger £30 in Bet Credits once it settles.
These Bet Credits can then be used across horse racing and other markets, helping you spread your wagering strategy without additional cash outlay.
To claim this offer, create a new bet365 account, complete any required identity checks, and place your first bet of £10 with at least one selection qualifying at minimum odds of 1.20. Avoid excluded payment methods like PayPal or paysafecard unless your identity has been verified with accepted documents, as these may void eligibility.
After your qualifying bet has settled, the £30 in Bet Credits will appear in your account. Bet Credits are non‑withdrawable; however, any winnings from bets placed with them are added to your withdrawable balance. Be sure to use the credits before they expire after roughly 7 days, and remember that the stake of Bet Credits is not included in your returns.
This promotion is again a calculated choice for punters who are looking to balance early Festival bets with minimal risk, allowing you the chance to explore multiple races and markets while managing your initial stake in a careful manner. It also pairs well with Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG) race promos that bet365 often runs separately on UK and Irish racing.
7. Sky Bet Cheltenham offer
- Offer type: New customer free bet welcome bonus
- Offer value: Get £30 in free bets (3 × £10 bet tokens)
- Min odds: Odds of 1/1 (2.0) or greater required for qualifying bet
- Maximum payout: £30 in non‑withdrawable free bets
- Expiration date/offer length: Free bets expire 30 days after being credited
- Min deposit: £5 minimum deposit required
- Min stake to claim the bonus: First qualifying bet of £0.05 or more at required odds
Sky Bet’s welcome offer gives new UK customers another straightforward way to boost their Cheltenham Festival betting funds. After you register a new account and make a small deposit (as low as £5), placing your first bet of £0.05 or more at odds of Evens (2.0) or higher will earn you three £10 free bet tokens.
These tokens can be used on single or each‑way selections across horse racing markets during the Festival, giving you extra wagering power without additional personal stake. The tokens must be used within 30 days, offering flexibility across multiple days of Cheltenham racing.
To qualify for this offer, ensure you sign up via the promotional link, deposit at least £5 using eligible methods (avoid Neteller and Skrill, as again, these will not qualify), and place your first single or each‑way bet on any market with odds of 1/1 or greater.
Only this first bet counts toward the offer. Once that qualifying wager is placed and settled, the £30 in free bets will be credited to your Sky Bet account.
These free bets are non‑withdrawable, and the stake is not returned with any winnings, so plan your usage strategically. For instance, on longer price each‑way selections in major Cheltenham races like the Cheltenham Gold Cup or Champion Hurdle to maximise potential returns.
Always review Sky Bet’s full terms and conditions before wagering to confirm eligibility restrictions and any updates that may have happened after this guide was written!
8. Tote Cheltenham offer
- Offer type: New customer free bet welcome bonus
- Offer value: Bet £10, receive £20 Tote Credit + £10 Free Sports Bet
- Min odds: Evens (2.0) or greater on qualifying bet (if each‑way then £10 Win + £10 Place)
- Maximum payout: £30 in bonus funds
- Expiration date/offer length: Bonus funds expire 7 days after being credited
- Min deposit: £10
- Min stake to claim the bonus: £10 qualifying bet
Tote’s welcome offer gives new customers a combined bonus package worth £30, split into £20 in Tote Credit and a £10 Free Sports Bet, which can be used across both horse racing and other sportsbook markets.
This type of bonus adds strategic value for Cheltenham punters because Tote Credit can be applied to pool betting markets such as Scoop6, Placepot or Win/Place bets, while the free sports bet can be used on fixed‑odds racing selections at the Festival. Receiving both types of bonus funds ups your ability to explore different betting styles within the event.
To claim, you need to register a new Tote account online, make a deposit of at least £10, and then place your first qualifying wager of £10 or more at odds of Evens (2.0) or higher within 7 days of registration. It’s important that your qualifying bet is the first racing pool or sports bet you place.
Once that bet has reached settlement, your £20 Tote Credit and £10 Free Sports Bet will be added to your account, usually within 48 hours, but these must be used within 7 days to avoid expiry. Tote Credit is separate from your cash balance and free bet tokens; the stake on these bonus funds is not included in any winnings.
This offer is again one of those calculated choices for punters who are seeking added value during Cheltenham. Tote Credit can enhance returns in pool betting markets that behave differently to traditional fixed odds, while the free sports bet gives you an extra shot at value on Cheltenham favourites and key races.
Always review the full terms and conditions before placing your qualifying wager to ensure eligibility and that you understand the expiry windows so you don’t lose the benefit of the offer.
9. BetMGM Cheltenham offer
- Offer type: New customer free bets welcome bonus
- Offer value: Bet £10, get £40 in free bets (4 × £10 tokens)
- Min odds: Evens (2.0) or greater on your qualifying bet
- Maximum payout: £40 in free bet tokens
- Expiration date/offer length: Free bets are valid for 7 days after being credited
- Min deposit: £10
- Min stake to claim the bonus: £10 qualifying bet within 7 days of account registration
BetMGM’s welcome offer provides excellent bonus value for Cheltenham Festival punters, giving you £40 in free bets after placing a £10 qualifying wager at min odds of Evens or greater. This bonus is split into 2 × £10 Sports free bets and 2 × £10 Bet Builder free bets, allowing you to spread your bonus credits across multiple racing and sports markets.
The combination of sports and bet builder tokens adds some strategic flexibility, for example, you may use sports free bets on straightforward Cheltenham race selections and bet builder credits for multi‑leg accumulator plays.
To claim this offer, register a new BetMGM account in the UK, deposit at least £10, and ensure you place your first qualifying bet at odds of 2.0 or above within seven days of signing up. Qualifying bets must settle before the free bets are released. Once the qualifying bet reaches settlement, the four £10 free bets will be credited to your account, typically within a short period.
These free bets are non‑withdrawable, and stakes are not included in any returns, so be sure to account for that in your betting strategy. The free bets must be used within 7 days of issuance.
This offer is really solid for punters who are looking to maximise their Festival wagering power without increasing their initial cash exposure. By spreading your free bets across key races like the Championship contests or festival handicaps, you can get more value for your horse racing selections while managing downside risk.
Always check the full BetMGM terms and conditions in your account before placing qualifying bets in case anything has changed between now and the Festival starting.
10. Paddy Power Cheltenham offer
- Offer type: New customer free bet welcome bonus
- Offer value: £50 in Free Bet Builder bets
- Min odds: 2.0 (Evens) on qualifying bet
- Maximum payout: £50 in bet builder free bets
- Expiration date/offer length: Free bets valid for up to 90 days after credit
- Min deposit: £10 via bank, debit card or Apple Pay
- Min stake to claim the bonus: £10 placed on sportsbook markets
Paddy Power’s welcome offer gives UK punters £50 in Free Bet Builder bets once they place their first qualifying £10 wager at odds of Evens (2.0) or greater.
This type of bonus is valuable around Cheltenham Festival because it lets you craft multi‑selection Bet Builder bets across races and markets, increasing your strategic options on favourites or combinations that might not pay out with a single selection.
To claim the offer, register a new Paddy Power account and make a qualifying deposit of at least £10 using eligible payment methods such as bank transfer, debit card or Apple Pay (excluding e‑wallets like Skrill or Neteller where stated, as we’ve already discussed). After that, place your first £10 bet on any sportsbook market at the required odds. Once that bet settles, the £50 in Free Bet Builder bets will be credited to your account.
These free bet builder tokens are non‑withdrawable and must be used before they expire, typically within 90 days, offering plenty of time during and after the Cheltenham Festival to deploy them in an effective way.
Using Free Bet Builder bets strategically can help you target multiple selections in the same race or across events, such as backing a favourite to place and a long‑shot to win in one combined wager. This adds another dimension to your Cheltenham betting strategy while protecting your initial stake, especially useful when balancing risk and return across a busy festival card.
Always review the bookmaker’s full terms and conditions for eligibility, usage details and specific race restrictions before placing qualifying bets.
Special offers from the best Cheltenham bookies
Below is a snapshot of key promotions you can find at major UK bookmakers around the Cheltenham Festival period. These offers range from Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG) to money back as cash, risk‑free bets and enhanced odds, all types that add extra value when betting on the Festival’s biggest races.
Some offers apply to new customers only, while others are available to existing account holders.
| Bookie | BOG | Money back as cash | Risk-free bets | Enhanced odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBK | ✅ Bet £10 Get £40 In free bets | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| sport BET | ✅ Get £30 when you bet a tenner | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| BetVictor | ✅ GET £30 IN FREE BETS when you bet £10 on Horse Racing | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 247Bet | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ 100% Match Bonus up to £50 | ❌ |
| Betfred | ✅ £50 IN FREE BETS when you bet £10 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| bet365 | ✅ Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Sky Bet | ✅ Bet £10 on Horse Racing and get £40 in free bets | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Tote | ✅ Bet £10 get £30 in Free Bets | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| BetMGM | ✅ Get £40 In Free Bets When you Bet £10 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Paddy Power | ✅ Bet £5 Get £30 In Free Bets | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Most of these customer offers hinge on placing a qualifying stake (commonly £10) at minimum odds such as Evens (2.0) or better. Once that stake settles, free bets or bonus credits are credited to your account.
These can be used via each bookmaker’s app or online platform and often come with expiry windows (for example, 30 days). Look out for race‑specific promotions such as extra places on favourites or enhanced odds that add further value to your Cheltenham wagering to make sure that you don’t miss out on a potential banger!
My favourite Cheltenham betting offer
To choose one of the Cheltenham betting offers was not an easy task. I had to take into consideration what would be best for new customers, and what was best for existing customers, along with what is the best for not only the build-up to Cheltenham but one you can use each day of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival.
And in the end I had to take everything in to the account with 1 though on my mind – what is the best for my bet-slip – and that was Betfred’s £50-pound offer.
This offer is valid for every race at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival, and in my opinion, offers the most long-term value for you the bettor.
Where to watch Cheltenham ?
Cheltenham Festival races are broadcast live across multiple platforms in the UK, making it easy to follow all the action. Here’s where you can watch:
- ITV & ITVX – ITV Racing provides free-to-air coverage of the biggest races, including the Champion Chase on Day 2. You can also stream the races live on ITVX via desktop, mobile, or smart TV.
- Racing TV – A subscription-based service covering all Cheltenham races live, including expert analysis and replays. Available on Sky (Channel 424), Virgin Media (Channel 536), and online streaming.
- Bookmaker Live Streams – Many top bookmakers, including Bet365, Ladbrokes, Paddy Power, and Betfair, offer free live streaming of Cheltenham races if you place a qualifying bet (usually £1 or more).
Biggest Free Bets for Cheltenham
We have also ranked the biggest free bets by the maximum free bet payout you can get by singing up with one of the bookies and gain Cheltenham free bets.
Types of Cheltenham betting offers and free bets
Now I will give you a run-through of some of the most popular free bets and offers for the Cheltenham Festival.
Cheltenham odds on favourites
Betting on odds on favourites at the Cheltenham Festival is not the most appealing bet for an everyday punter. But the likes of Paddy Power, SBK, bet365, sport BET, Betfred, and Sky Bet all offer you an alternative with the ‘Betting Without’ market.
This option gives you the chance to bet on a race without the favourite or chosen horse but at reduced odds. If the odds-on favourite wins, but you come 2nd and have backed in the betting without market, then your bet is a winner.
Money back Cheltenham offer
Each year you will find bookmakers offer Money Back special on Cheltenham races, and this year should be no different.
Paddy Power, Tote, and Betfred from my toplist of bookmakers have previously offered Cheltenham money-back offers.
Check out my toplist for all the money-back Cheltenham offers.
Best odds guaranteed for Cheltenham
For many punters, the best odds guaranteed is a must for the Cheltenham Festival. When you are parting with your hard-earned cash, you want to ensure that you will get the best for your buck, and with BOG, you will always get paid at the best odds.
You would be forgiven to think that all bookmakers offer the best odds guaranteed, but unfortunately, that is not the case.
But I have some of the top bookmakers on my toplist that offer best odds guaranteed for Cheltenham – Paddy Power, Sky Bet, bet365, SBK, Betfred and sport BET all offer best odds guaranteed for the Cheltenham Festival.
Cheltenham extra each-way places
Extra each-way place or enhanced place specials are a massive plus when it comes to the Cheltenham Festival handicap, giving you extra places to play within these competitive handicaps.
I will not know what races will have extra each-way places on the day before/day of, so be sure to check with my top list of bookmakers for more information.
Non-Runner No Bet special for Cheltenham
The most popular bet when it comes to Cheltenham Festival ante-post betting, the Non-Runner No Bet gives you the security of backing a horse in any of the Cheltenham Festival races under ante-post rules, and if your selection does not run in that race, then you will get you money back, no questions asked.
Bookmakers who offer this from my list are Paddy Power, Tote, bet365, SBK, sport BET, and Sky Bet.
Risk-free bets
A risk-free bet is very closely related to a free bet, in that you’re essentially placing a bet on the sportsbook without risking anything. Unlike a free bet, you are using your own money to place the wager, but your stakes will be refunded if your selection loses. The refund can either be in cash or in the form of free bet credits upon bet settlement, depending on your operator.
Bet-through-the-card offers
A bet-through-the-card promotion is a popular sign up offer, especially during the big spring racing festivals. They generally require you to place a small bet on the opening race on the card and you will then receive a free bet to use one every subsequent race that day.
During the Cheltenham Festival, you may find that some bookies will give you a free bet for every race that week (27 races) just for betting on the opener! Like with all promotions and offers, eligibility restrictions apply.
Ambassador-related offers and promotions
There are a whole host of ambassadors who promote horse racing betting to bettors. You’ll find that practically every high-profile jockey, trainer and presenter is tied to a bookmaker and lots of operators will offer promotions around their ambassadors. For example, Paddy Power may offer enhanced prices on the rides of their ambassador Harry Cobden during Cheltenham.
Cheltenham betting offers for existing customers
The Cheltenham Festival is a massive time for bookmakers and they are keen to ensure that they are engaging their existing customers just as much as potential new clients. With that in mind, it is a great time to take advantage of Cheltenham betting offers, with plenty available.
Each bookmaker will offer something different, but you will find things like free bets, enhanced prices, specials and bet boosts to all customers during the week. It’s definitely worth keeping an eye on the promotions page of your operator.
Cheltenham new customer offers
Cheltenham week is one of the biggest sports betting events of the year and it’s very common for bookmakers to tailor their offers around it. This can be in the form of free bets on feature races, or perhaps by enhancing the price of one of the big favourites of the week.
For example, bookmakers may enhance the price of Jonbon to win the Champion Chase to a much bigger price (currently 10/11) to tempt in new customers. Eligibility restrictions and time limits may apply to all offers.
Trifecta bet offers
A trifecta bet is a bet type that involves selecting three horses to finish in the first three places in a race. It is essentially the same as a tricast bet, in that the first, second and third placed horses have to be in the right order for it to be a winner, except a trifecta is only available on the Tote. The bet forms part of a pool and as such it’s unlikely that you will find any trifecta bet offers on the market.
Who won Gold Cup in the previous years?
| Year | Winner | Trainer |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Galopin Des Champs | W P Mullins |
| 2023 | Galopin Des Champs | W P Mullins |
| 2022 | A Plus Tard | Henry De Bromhead |
| 2021 | Minella Indo | Henry De Bromhead |
| 2020 | Al Boum Photo | W P Mullins |
| 2019 | Al Boum Photo | W P Mullins |
| 2018 | Native River | Colin Tizzard |
| 2017 | Sizing John | Jessica Harrington (Ire) |
| 2016 | Don Cossack | Gordon Elliott (Ire) |
| 2015 | Coneygree | Mark Brackstock |
Best Cheltenham betting offers for new and existing customers in 2025
Are you ready for the biggest horse racing action of the year?
Considering that Cheltenham week is one of the biggest of the year for horse racing betting sites, it should come as no surprise that there are some lucrative offers up for grabs. All of the best betting sites are keen to ensure that punters choose to give their bet stake to them and, with that in mind, there’s plenty for both new and existing customers to take advantage of.
Below, I will give you the best Cheltenham betting offers from my top list. The offer type, how to claim it, and the all-important how to get them.
New customer offers include:
- Sign up offers
- Best odds Guaranteed (BOG)
- Free bets
- Price promise
- Run for your money
- Non-runner no bet
- Price boost
- Cashback
New customers should wait as long as they can for their registration for a Cheltenham betting site, as bookmakers usually wait until right before the meeting before dropping their juiciest offers. One of their favourite offer types is to boost the price of some of the shortest-priced runners of the week to silly proportions, to ensure that you start your betting account with a victory.
Meanwhile, existing customers can take advantage of Cheltenham free bets, with lots of the high street brands keen to ensure they’re betting on one of the big weeks of the year. Keep an eye on your inboxes in your betting accounts, as the bookies will message you throughout the week and in the run-up to the Festival with free bets and offers. On top of this, you can find a full list of offers for both new and existing customers by heading to the promotions page of your bookmaker.
Cheltenham Free Bets guide
Essentially all free bets are the same, they function the same, meaning that the operator always provides you with free cash to use that you can’t withdraw and must be eligible to claim, and read the Terms and Conditions to see if you can use it. However, there are some variations that spice up the Cheltenham free bets a bit further:
- Deposit Bonus – Bookies offer an extra amount on the initial deposit as free bets to use on Cheltenham betting.
- Enhanced Odds Offers – Boosted odds that you can use your free bets on, however they are capped, usually something quite low – max bet stake is from £1 to £5.
- Matched Free Bets – Cheltenham free bet that matches your initial deposit.
- Money Back Specials – If a certain event happens, such as a specific horse finishing in 2nd place, the bookie will provide you with a free bet valued as the initial stake.
- No Deposit Free Bets – Risk-free bonus that gives you a certain amount of free bets just for registering.
- Risk-Free Bets – A great safety net that gives you back your money, up to a certain amount, when you lose.
The biggest races to bet on at Cheltenham 2025
There are no less than 14 ‘Grade One’ races at the Cheltenham Festival, which is the highest level of race in the National Hunt code of the sport. Essentially, each one of those could headline almost any other card during the year without any issues, though within those 14 races, there are five which stand out from the race.
These five are known as the ‘Championship’ races, with one race headlining each day apart from Thursday – when there are two! Each acts as the flagship race for different divisions and they are the pinnacle of the sport. The Championship races at the Cheltenham Festival are as follows…
- Tuesday 11th March – Unibet Champion Hurdle (run over two miles)
- Wednesday 12th March – BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase (two miles)
- Thursday 13th March – Ryanair Steeple Chase (two miles and five furlongs) AND the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (three miles)
- Friday 14th March – Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase (three miles and two and a half furlongs)
More Cheltenham betting offers for 2025
Terms and conditions of free bets for Cheltenham
Betfred T&Cs
New customers only. Register (excl 05/04/25), deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility exclusions & T&Cs Apply. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.
SBK T&Cs
New UK customers only. Min £10 first deposit using Debit Card or Bank Transfer. Place a bet of £10 at min odds of 2.0 and get a £10 Multiple token upon settlement. A £10 Multiple token, a £5 Horse Racing Multiple token and a £5 Football Bet Builder token will be credited after 24 hours. A further £10 Multiple token will be credited 48 hours after the qualifying bet has been settled. Full T&Cs apply, 18+. BeGambleAware.org.
Talksport BET T&Cs
18+ New Customers Only. Opt-in and bet £10+ on horse racing at odds of 3.00+ within 7 days of registration. Get 4x£5 Free Bets for set markets, which expire in 7 days. Offer valid from 10:00 on 03/03/2025 until 17:00 on 14/03/2025. Scroll down for T&Cs. GambleAware.org. Please gamble responsibly
bet365 T&Cs
Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.
Paddy Power T&Cs
New Customer Offer. Place a max £1 bet on the Win or Each Way market for Jonson to win the Champion Chase at Cheltenham, Wednesday, March 12th. Winnings paid in cash at normal odds and are topped up to the enhanced price in Free Bets. Free bets are valid 7 days, only deposits with cards & Apple Pay are eligible. Excludes multiples & in-play bets. T&C’s apply. Please gamble responsibly.
Sky Bet T&Cs
NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. FIRST SINGLE & E/W BET ONLY. ODDS OF 1/1 OR GREATER. 6 X £10 BET TOKENS. FREE BET STAKES NOT INCLUDED IN RETURNS. FREE BETS FOR HORSE RACING ONLY. FREE BETS ARE NON WITHDRAWABLE. FREE BETS EXPIRE AFTER 30 DAYS. ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS AND FURTHER T&CS APPLY.
BetMGM T&Cs
New cust only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at Evens (1/1) or above for 2 x £10 Free Bets (min odds 2/1) & 2 x £10 Free Accas (trebles & above at min odds per line 1/2). Expires 14/03/25 23:59. Cannot be used on e-sports & non-UK/IE horse racing. EW bets min £20. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.
Casumo T&Cs
New customers only. Min stake £2. Min legs 3. Max win £1,000. Min odds 3.0. Max £25 back as a Free Bet on losing bets only. 7 days to use free bet at odds 2.0+. Full T and Cs apply. Play responsibly BeGambleAware.orgT&Cs apply
Tote T&Cs
New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org.
Star Sports T&Cs
New customers only. Only bets placed on the 16:40 each day at Cheltenham eligible. Matched Free Bet up to £50 on first qualifying selection. Win & E/W Bets qualify. Free Bet credited 10am the following day & expires after 7 days. Full T&Cs apply.
Betfair T&Cs
New Customer offer. Place a min £5 bet, get £20 in Free Bets. Rewards valid for 30 days. Only deposits via cards or Apple Pay will qualify. T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly
Midnite T&Cs
18+ New UK customers. Bet £10 on accas with 4+ legs, min odds 3/1 (4.0). Get 4x £5 Free Bets and 50 Free Spins, valid for 7 days on selected bets and games only. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org
Ladbrokes T&Cs
18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4x £5 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Eligibility restrictions + T&Cs apply.
PricedUp T&Cs
18+. New customers only. Place a minimum £40 bet on any selection with minimum odds of Evens (2.00) and receive a £20 free bet upon bet settlement. Free bet expires after 7 days. GambleAware.org. T&Cs apply.
10bet T&Cs
New bettors; Code SPORT; Wager deposit & bonus 8x; Max qualifying bet stake=initial bonus; Valid 60 days; Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply; T&C apply; 18+
Where to bet on Cheltenham
There a host of different options for betting on the Cheltenham Festival, depending on whether you’re at home or at the track. You can find an extensive list of recommended sites for betting on horse racing in this article, with Betfred coming out on top as our best Cheltenham offer in 2025.
Cheltenham free bets
Lastly, I come the the king of kings when I am talking about amazing Cheltenham betting offers. For existing customers, this will all depend on who you have a betting account with as not all bookmakers will be offering free bets for the Cheltenham Festival.
You can check out my top list above as well as my previous 2025 Cheltenham Betting Offer to find the best free bets for new and existing customers.
What is a Cheltenham free bet offer?
A Cheltenham free bet is a bonus that you as a punter can use to bet on the Cheltenham festival races in the period of 11th to 14th of March 2025. It is an exclusive bonus that works only for Cheltenham races. In its form it is very similar to any other free bet offer, however it is valid only during these 4 days.
Same terms and conditions apply as for other free bets, meaning no withdrawing free bets as cash and same wagering requirements apply, but as always please check the terms and conditions for each free bet you use to check if you are eligible.
How does a Cheltenham free bet work?
A Cheltenham free bet offer is a promotion that I really like, because it is essentially risk-free. I’ll explain why:
- Decide on which Cheltenham betting site you would like to play
- Choose the Cheltenham betting offer you like
- Check eligibility, wagering requirement and Terms and Conditions
- Claim your Cheltenham free bets
- Identify the horse you would like to place the bet on
- Have fun!
If you need help with identifying the winning horse you can take my pick as a place to start. My personal favourite which I’ll be cheering for is definitely Galopin des Champs – not the most original choice, but it’s hard not to admire a horse that’s becoming a living legend before our eyes!
How to claim and use a Cheltenham betting offer – A step-by-step expert guide
Claiming a Cheltenham free bet for a new customer can seem daunting at the best of times, but I have broken it down into easy-to-follow steps*.
- Sign up – The first thing you need to do is find a Cheltenham betting offer you like.
- What you need – Once you have picked which bookmaker you wish to bet with you will need to sign up and open an account with that bookmaker. Normally you will need a valid debit card, bank details, proof of address, your contact details and an ID. You’ll likely have to undergo SMS verification before registering and claiming the bet offer.
- Find the sign-up page – Once you have chosen your Cheltenham bookmaker with your idea of the best betting offer, you will find the sign-up area, their landing page, or the top right hand of each bookmaker where you will locate a button marked ‘sign up’ or ‘join now’. Once you have filled out all the necessary details, depositing is next. Check if a promo code is needed for newly registered users.
- First deposits – Now you will be taken to the deposit page where you will be asked to enter your method of payment. Check for the min deposit requirement and potential payment method exclusions at your chosen bookmaker to avoid disappointment upon making a transaction. Debit card payments are usually not subject to bonus restrictions, while payments with Apple Pay, Neteller, PayPal and others, vary on eligibility. This is for depositing and withdrawing from your account. Once you have completed that, you are now ready to place your first Cheltenham bet.
- Placing your qualified bet – This is an important step to claim your free Cheltenham bets. Before placing your first bet, be sure to check the promotion T&Cs (all information above) as if your first bet is not placed correctly, you may lose out of your free bets.
- How to use your free bets – Once your betting account has been credited with your free bets it is straightforward to use. You will find a tab on your betting slip that will say “Use free bet”. Just click on this button to add one of your free bets to your selection. If you come across any issue during this process just contact your chosen bookmakers ‘Live Chat’ where you will be able to speak to a customer service representative.
- Betting offer period – Once you claim your Cheltenham betting offer or free bet be sure to check the expiry date of the offer and any wagering requirements.
*steps may vary from bookmaker to bookmaker and some require players to enter a bonus code
📖 Read this in-depth guide on how to bet on Cheltenham 📖
How I use my Cheltenham free bets
The Cheltenham Festival offers great value and two of the best bookmakers to use from my experience have to be Sky Bet and bet365. Sky Bet usually go money back on the Supreme (which is the first race of the Festival) and also money back if 2nd or 3rd in the first
race on every day of the Festival. This gives you the opportunity to start on a high or recover some losses if it doesn’t go to plan.
bet365 are also always worth using across the four days as they will have a daily Super Boost and have some of the best odds on offer throughout the week. Couple that with extra place races too there is plenty in the punters’ favour.
Cheltenham 2025 Hub
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Most popular Cheltenham bets
At Cheltenham festival races amidst the thundering hooves and thunderous cheers, betting takes center stage, with a myriad of options tantalizing bettors seeking fortune and glory. From the classic thrill of picking a winner to the intricate strategies of forecasting exacta and trifecta finishes, Cheltenham offers a diverse array of betting opportunities.
Whether you’re all seasoned bettors or newcomers to the sport, join me as I explore the most popular bets at Cheltenham, where every wager carries the promise of adrenaline-fueled moments and the chance to bask in the glory of victory.
- Accumulator bet – Bettors can select multiple horses to win their respective races, with each wager’s possible earnings carrying over to the following choice. You have to win all bets, even if only 1 of the bets is wrong, all your selections are counted as losses.
- Ante-post betting – Bettors who bet in advance can earn a lot as the odds are better. However, they run the risk of having non-runners or changes of horses occuring.
- Each way bet – Players place two bets, one win bet and one place bet. The odds usually aren’t very high.
- Forecast/Exacta bet – This involves bettors predicting the first two horses to finish in a race, in the exact order.
- Lucky 15/31/63 – Players place bets involving multiple selections across different races.
- Place bet – Players bet on a horse to finish in one of the predetermined place positions.
- Racing pool bet – Horse racing pool bet is also known as parimutuel betting or tote betting, where all bets are placed together in a pool, and after deductions (taxes, fees, and house take) the remaining winnings are shared and divided among the players. Racing pool bet is quite popular because its large payouts and and accurate odds representation.
- Tricast/Trifecta bet – Similar to the forecast bet, but you’re predicting the first three horses to finish in the correct order.
- Win bet – Pretty straightforward, bettors can place a bet on who wins
Cheltenham Betting Strategies
Various betting strategies are available during the Cheltenham races. While some users advise matched betting for assured earnings, others advise taking advantage of deals that provide money back if your horse loses.
If you want to benefit from money-back offers, make sure you’re joined up with various bookmakers who are offering these promotions and that you’re prepared for anything. But it’s important to keep in mind that there is still some risk associated with these tactics, and the odds aren’t always in your favor.
Another strategy is matched betting, which is putting both a lay and a back bet to ensure a profit. This approach guarantees revenues regardless of the result, but it necessitates thorough preparation and process knowledge.
When choosing a betting strategy, it’s critical to evaluate the terms and circumstances of each offer and take into account elements like odds, possible returns, and any wagering requirements.
Top 5 tips for betting at Cheltenham
1. Pace yourself
Considering Tuesday kicks off with no less than four Grade One contests from the first five races – including the Champion Hurdle – it can be easy to get carried away with your budget early on. This is certainly most pertinent with the opener, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, a fast and frenetic opening contest in which everyone is desperate to get off to a good start.
It’s a very long week and surprises can happen at every turn, so it’s key that you pace yourself and stick to your staking plan and goals to avoid burning out long before the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
2. Course form can be key
There are very few racecourses that can match the test of running at Cheltenham Racecourse, which means that horses with previous course forms can often be a big advantage. Along with the frenetic pace of a Festival race, runners must navigate a stiff jumping test and a legendarily tough hill up the run-in, something which certainly isn’t for everyone.
There have been plenty of top-class horses over the years who just haven’t quite been able to replicate their form on the Cotswolds – Chacun Pour Soi for example – while there are horses like Frodon who just love the place and save their very best form for the big stage.
3. Look for riders on a roll
This point may be obvious, but momentum is a powerful thing in racing and often the riders who have a good start to the week go on to finish strongly. Look at Rachael Blackmore, there’s no doubt that she’s one of the very best in the weighing room, but she certainly rode the crest of a wave when being crowned leading rider at the Cheltenham Festival in 2021.
4. Make use of information
We’re lucky to live in an age where sports data has never been stronger and where information is readily available at our fingertips. Whether you are a novice or a more experienced punter, there are so many resources available for review on the internet, which can assist you with your betting decisions.
Our site offers fantastic resources with things like horse racing data as well as quotes from jockeys, trainers, and owners – which can help you get as round a picture as possible of every runner. On top of this, you can get plenty of juice from the annual Cheltenham Festival preview nights which take place up and down in the country in February and March, with some even streamed on social media for free!
5. Trust your own judgement
We may have more information than ever at our disposal, but it’s worth pointing out that there is almost too much out there these days. Information is fantastic, but if you divulge the views of every single tipster and pundit out there, you will probably find that a case has been made for every single runner! Let the information work for you and give as good an understanding as possible, but you must then trust your judgment when the time comes to place a bet.
Q&A session about Cheltenham betting offers & free bets
1. What is a Cheltenham free bet, and how can I use it?
A free bet is pretty much what it says on the tin, a bet that doesn’t require you to put any money down. Bookmakers tend to offer free bets to new members to entice them to sign up, but you can also earn free bets by staking a certain amount of money either in a period or on a certain market. Bookmakers also hand out free bets to their members occasionally, particularly during busy periods for sports betting such as during the Cheltenham Festival. Online casinos often offer free bets to their customers, particularly during busy periods such as the Cheltenham Festival, as a way to entice them to try their luck in the casino and potentially win big. This is sometimes accompanied by a casino bonus, funds refund, bonus credit, game tokens, or a variety of exclusive money bet options for various events.
Each bookie site has a different layout, but you should be able to see any free bets in the corner of the screen where your balance is located – or by heading to the balance section of the site once you’re logged in. You may have to activate the free bet there, but once it’s ready to use, you navigate to the market of your choosing and pick out a selection.
Let’s say you have a £10 free bet for the Champion Hurdle and want to place it on Constitution Hill. If you head to that market and click on the horse, the free bet should appear as a tickable box in your bet slip. Simply activate your free bet, add your stake and press place. Good luck!
2. Where can I get bonuses like free bets for Cheltenham?
If you are new to horse racing betting, Cheltenham week is the perfect time to bag yourself some free bets! Bookmakers are keener than ever to attract your customers during the week, which means that there are some juicy bonuses to be had. Keep your eyes peeled on things like social media for some of the best Cheltenham betting offers, while you can also find some on this very page.
Meanwhile, existing customers won’t miss out either, as bookmakers give out plenty of free bets and enticing bonuses during the week. Keep an eye on the promotions section of your bookies’ website to keep up with the very latest offers.
3. What is the Cheltenham Racing Festival?
The Cheltenham Festival is the biggest Jumps (or National Hunt) meeting of the season in both the UK and Ireland, for which the biggest names in the sport descend on the Cotswolds. There are 28 races across the four days, with the vast majority of those shown on ITV Racing. This event is one of the few that puts horseracing into the mainstream and you can expect around 250,000 racegoers at Prestbury Park across the four days.
The feature race of the entire week is the Grade One Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, which is run over slightly further than three and a quarter miles and is seen as one of the ultimate tests of a racehorse. To win it, a horse must be able to both jump and stay to the highest of standards, while also being able to run at a ‘Championship’ pace. The winner of the Gold Cup will bag themselves a cool quarter of a million pounds in prize money and immortality to boot!
4. When is the Cheltenham festival?
The Cheltenham Festival is a four-day meeting, which runs from Tuesday 11th March – Friday 14th March 2025. Each of the four days is headlined by a different race and they are as follows.
- Tuesday 11th March – Champion Day (Headlined by the Champion Hurdle)
- Wednesday 12th March – Festival Wednesday (Headlined by the Queen Mother Champion Chase)
- Thursday 13th March – St Patrick’s Day (Headlined by both the Stayers’ Hurdle and the Ryanair Chase)
- Friday 14th March – Gold Cup Day (Headlined by the Cheltenham Gold Cup)
5. What is the most profitable bet to make at Cheltenham?
There is no simple way of answering this question, as the price of a horse can reflect the return on all bet types, from singles to multiples. For example, having a £5 treble on three short-priced horses requires more horses to win for it to land, but you will find yourself winning more money with a successful £5 single bet on a 50/1 outsider.
🧮 Calculate your single bets with the single bet calculator! 🧮
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, in that every winning bet is special! Backing the favourite will see you win more often, but carefully following a staking plan is a good way of upping your chances of a return in the long term.
If you’re looking for big profit at the Cheltenham Festival, putting several of the horses that you fancy most – ‘bankers’ – into one accumulator can add up quickly. For example, placing a mythical £5 accumulator on Firefox (8/1), So Scottish (10/1) and Bioluminescence (6/1) would return a massive £3,460 should all three horses return home triumphant!
6. Where to bet on Cheltenham?
When it comes to horse racing market, there is almost too much choice and you can find Cheltenham Festival odds offered in a multitude of places.
However, some are certainly better than others when it comes to Cheltenham Festival betting and my number one recommendation is bet365 – which is one of the most trusted names in the industry. Hills are very competitive when it comes to prices and considering that they are already ‘Non-runner, no bet’ on every single race at the Cheltenham Festival, you can bet with them with peace of mind!
7. What is meant by a favourite horse?
The favourite is the horse which is offered at the shortest odds for each race by the bookmakers. That essentially means that the favourite is the horse which is believed to have the best chance of winning the race – and the shorter price means that the market thinks the horse has a better chance.
For example, a 1/4 favourite would be seen as a horse with a stronger chance of winning than a 4/1 favourite. Meanwhile, if two horses are at the top of the market they are known as ‘joint favourites’ and any more than that they are ‘co-favourites’.
8. What betting offers can existing customers get during Cheltenham?
Cheltenham Festival week is like Christmas for bettors, as bookmakers try everything in their power to try and secure your custom. Of course, they are going to save things like crazy prices on odds-on favourites and free bets for new customers, but existing customers can often take advantage of offers like boosted odds, price promises, and run-for-your-money offers.
Lots of high street bookmakers will offer free bets throughout the week on certain races, as well as price boosts and the opportunity to earn free bets by staking a certain amount of money.
There will also be lots of things like extra place races, money-back offers and even justice refunds. The best thing to do is keep an eye on the ‘promotions’ and ‘offers’ pages of your bookmakers of choice, as well as keep tabs on their social media pages too. It can also be helpful to have a look at the ’horse racing’ section as well, as that’s where their headline price boosts and offers for the day will live during Cheltenham week. The results of these price boosts and offers will be visible on the homepage of the bookmaker’s website, as well as in the dedicated Cheltenham section, allowing customers to quickly and easily view the results of their bets.
9. Who are the Gold Cup favourites?
Galopin Des Champs is currently the Gold Cup favourite.
10. Do UK bookmakers offer live streaming for Cheltenham?
Yes, most bookmakers will offer live streaming for Cheltenham.
11. Are bet365 giving free bets for Cheltenham?
Yes! bet365 is offering bet £10 and get £30 in free bets for new customers for the 2025 Cheltenham Festival.
12. Who won last year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup?
Galopin Des Champs won last year’s Gold Cup, and the one before.
13. Can you withdraw Cheltenham Free Bets?
No. Cheltenham free bets, or rather all free bets are categorized as promotional credits or bonus tokens that are provided by the bookies are made for betting purposes, and can not be withdrawn. However, winnings made with the free bets are withdrawable. As always there are circumstances for each free bet, so be sure to read the Terms and Conditions.
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About the author
Nick Seddon
A sports journalist with more than a decade of experience, Nick has covered some of the biggest events in sport, from the Grand National and the Epsom Derby in horse racing to Walsall against Wigan Athletic in League One.
Follow Nick on X: @nickseddon_
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to sport. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org
Remember to gamble responsibly
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- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- GambleAware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
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